Enjoy life and sports with the first Spanish football club in Malaga made up of children undergoing cancer treatment.

The Association of Pediatric Oncology Volunteers, better known as Avoi, has once again made the dreams of boys and girls aged 6 to 14 undergoing cancer treatment in Málaga come true, wishing to return to sports. Avoi CF is the name of the first onco-hematological team in Spain, which will "carry smiles as its flag," as their motto states. There will be 21 protagonists who will take to the field to enjoy the sport after making their official presentation to a crowd of people this Wednesday at the Hospital Materno de Málaga, where they are and have been patients.

"These are children who have all undergone an oncological process and now we see them playing soccer. It's a great team that carries a lot of enthusiasm and where they are the protagonists. It's a pride and tremendous joy," the founder of Avoi, Juan Carmona, commented to this newspaper.

Thus, the event included every last detail set in a soccer atmosphere, from a grass floor in the auditorium and a bench with goal on the stage; to a large silver trophy reading "Avoi CF champions"; and even the presence and performance of their own cheering section. Which appeared with drums, megaphones, and flags, after welcoming the players in their uniforms walking energetically down the aisle while being cheered by the audience and introduced by Emilio Guerrero, a journalist from Cope Málaga.

With a trajectory at Avoi that is approaching 33 years, Carmona, its president, emphasized that the idea came from a child who was hospitalized and expressed how much he missed soccer. This led them, starting in 2014, to participate in tournaments and this 2025, with the help also of the Andalusian Football Federation, in collaboration with entities, to form an official club, from which they train twice a month since last year, when they began with several matches at El Romeral field and this year at Los Conejitos field.

"Miguel Casal, who was then a child and now is in his thirties, was the one who gave me the idea to start it. He played a very important part, got very involved, and does it wonderfully," the founder of the association highlighted.

Jerseys with a unique design

Each one already has their number and name on the jerseys with a distinctive design very similar to those of Málaga CF, being blue and white for this team and with golden sleeves, as a symbol of pediatric cancer. Thus, on them, in addition to the collaborating brands (emec, Alimentación Sanara, Rosario's Burger, among others), the words "Donate Marrow and you will be my hero" and the day against pediatric cancer, February 15, are read.

By order of numbering the protagonists are, along with their coaches Luis Sánchez and Francis Panadero and the volunteers Belén García, Rocío España, Ana Muñoz, and Jorge Ortiz 'Busti': Masi (2); Alicia Romero (3); Gael (4); Antonio Morales (5); David (8); Iker (9); Miguelillo (10); Izan (11); Óscar Nicolás (Nico, 12); Enrique, the goalkeeper (13); Elian (14); Alberto Fernández (15); María Serrano (16); Christopher (17); Daniela (18); Juanje (19); Ángel (22); Josué (28); Álvaro Mellado (29); and Victoria (31).

"When they offered us the project it was a huge excitement. Organizing a tournament, and from there more of them and matches. The fact of being able to share these moments with them and see how well they adapt to the whole tactical approach," pointed out their coach Luis Sánchez. Alongside him, his colleague and also "mister", Francis Panadero shares the same feeling and notes the "quality" of the mixed team and the goal of "having a good time and enjoying."

Along with them, also present and with over twenty years as a volunteer, Desi sees this Avoi CF as "an opportunity to be part of a team, and something that is exciting to see them play and have fun" with what they have lived through.

The event was attended by, in addition to the families, medical staff, executive members, and a representation of the 170 volunteers from Avoi, prominent personalities from Málaga. Among them, the president of the Provincial Council of Málaga, Francisco Salado; the deputy medical director of the Maternal-Child Hospital, Natalia Mena-Vázquez and Toñi Ledesma, deputy of Citizenship and Territorial Balance; Carlos Bautista, delegate of Consumption and Health. As well as Miguel Bandera representing the Sports Area of the Málaga City Council, while Sebastián Cervantes, delegate of Coaches of Málaga, also attended on behalf of the Malaga Football Federation. In addition to the presence of Málaga CF, with Francisco Martín Aguilar, advisory councilor, and Sebastián Fernández Reyes 'Basti' as the top exponent of the Málaga CF Foundation; and Duda, a "legendary player" also from this club, representing the Rincón Foundation; and Pepa Moreno, president of the Málaga Costa del Sol Female Handball Club.

In this context, Salado expressed "tremendous pride and gratitude": "From the sports area ask and it will be given to you, as you are going to move up a category you will need funding," he added. He was joined by the deputy medical director, who highlighted the "great stars" they have in the hospital and the "impressive work of Avoi", which with this initiative promotes "physical exercise and values such as effort and competition".

Avoi CF will officially debut this Saturday playing in Alhaurín El Grande as the first of many matches and tournaments they will be part of. "They are pure strength. Their parents who see them, with the moments they have gone through, are all with tears in their eyes. These children couldn't do much sport when they were admitted and this is health. The team will continue to grow," Carmona concluded.